Five senior engineers bag regional competition, make it to nationals

BEAVER FALLS, Pa. - Geneva faculty members often say that the college′s excellence goes beyond the classroom and into the real world. The truth of the statement was recently demonstrated when five Geneva senior engineering students won second place at the Ohio Valley Regional Conference of the American Society of Civil Engineers Regional Steel Bridge Building Competition - thereby securing entry into the National Steel Bridge Competition on May 25-26 in California State University in Northridge, California.

The five seniors attending the national competition are Jacob Alianello, Caleb Henning, Laura Meyers, Dean Politi and Brad Roman. The students participated in the regional bridge building competition as part of their senior design project. Prior to their trip, they spent hundreds of hours in designing, constructing and welding the bridge′s steel parts together. At the competition, the team had to build a twenty-foot bridge, which was judged on its overall design, adherence to weight and durability standards, and speed of completion.

Ten universities and colleges from Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania participated in the regional competition, including: University of Pittsburgh, Youngstown State University, Ohio State University, and University of Kentucky. Geneva′s team placed second, winning its spot to attend the national competition.

The group′s faculty advisor Robe Liljestrand said, "I was exceedingly proud of these students before the competition because of their mature, thoughtful, careful design and testing. They listened well and fastidiously worked to stay within the specifications. This group of students exhibited not only technical skill but also depth of character. Had they come in last place, I would still consider them first rate in my mind."

The team is raising money to pay for the costs of the trip to the national competition in California. Donations to help the students′ efforts can be sent to:

For more information concerning donations, contact Institutional Advancement at 724-847-6525.

Geneva College, a reformed Christian liberal arts school funded in 1848, prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family, and the church. Geneva is a founding member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).